The SSP EPIC Awards are a prestigious celebration of Excellence in Publishing, Information Technology, and Communications. This program recognizes outstanding achievements in publications, marketing, media, tools and products, and visionary initiatives within the scholarly community. Open to both member and non-member organizations, the awards program highlights the dedication and innovation that are advancing the industry.
A panel of industry professionals evaluates the submissions to identify the top two contributions in each category. The winning entries represent the highest standards in scholarly publishing and communications, showcasing exceptional work that is shaping the field today. We are also proud to acknowledge student-led publications, emphasizing the voices of the future in the industry.
CATEGORIES | ENTRY GUIDELINES | BECOME A JUDGE
Timeline
| October 1 | Submission system opens October 1, 2025 |
| November 28 | Entries will be accepted through November 28, 2025 |
| December | Judges will be assigned to entries in December 2025 |
| January 15 – February 15 | Judging will occur in January and February 2026 |
| March | Non-winning and finalist entries will be notified by March 30, 2026 |
| May 28 | Winners honored during the SSP Annual Meeting on May 28, 2026 |
Become a Judge
Judges play a crucial role in the success of our awards program. The peer-review judging process guarantees that the selected work meets high standards of quality and excellence.
Judging carries significant responsibility, as it can have lasting impacts on both the scholarly community and society at large. By recognizing and rewarding high-quality work, judges help establish benchmarks for excellence in the scholarly publishing industry.
We welcome judges from across the scholarly publishing ecosystem. Both members and non-members are welcome to participate. SSP invites diverse perspectives and expertise to carefully examine and evaluate submissions, ensuring the integrity of the program. All submissions and judging will be conducted in English.
Applications to become a judge are open through November 28, 2025.
May 28, 2026 | Gaylord Pacific Convention Center, Chula Vista, CA
Join us for the EPIC Awards Celebration, where we will announce and honor winners at a premier event dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact in scholarly publishing, information technology, and communications. This highly anticipated celebration coincides with the SSP Annual Meeting and brings together industry leaders, innovators, and emerging voices for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and appreciation.
The EPIC Awards Celebration recognizes outstanding achievements in five key categories: Tools and Products, Publications, Marketing, Media, and Initiatives. Finalists and winners, who exemplify the creativity, dedication, and technological advancements shaping the future of scholarly communication, will be revealed during the event.
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening as we celebrate those who are driving the scholarly publishing industry forward. Join us to honor excellence and connect with the trailblazers in our community! Tickets will be available with Annual Meeting registration.
